Defense Ministry: Thai F‑16s Destroy Pursat Bridge

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 13, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense on Saturday condemned Thailand for using F‑16 fighter jets to carry out repeated airstrikes that fully destroyed the Chey Chomneas Bridge in Pursat province, calling the attacks deliberate assaults on civilian infrastructure.

The ministry said the bridge, also known as Victory Bridge, was heavily damaged during morning strikes but was not completely severed until Thai jets dropped multiple bombs in the afternoon.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, defense ministry spokesperson, said Thai aircraft dropped at least six bombs between 3:30 and 3:44 p.m. with the apparent aim of cutting the main bridge in Veal Veng district. “At present, the bridge has been completely severed,” she told reporters.

Officials said the strikes were part of continued attacks on Cambodia’s 5th Military Region, including Thmar Da commune, and accused Thai forces of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure.

The ministry also reported separate airstrikes in Banteay Meanchey province later in the afternoon, with bombs dropped on Prey Chan village in O’ Bei Choan commune at 4:00 and 4:10 p.m.

Socheata demanded Thailand immediately cease aggressive actions, stop spreading false information, halt indiscriminate attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and end destruction of historical sites.

She stressed Cambodia’s self‑defense operations target only Thai military positions, not civilian areas.

The ministry said Thailand’s actions constitute continued armed aggression against Cambodia and urged Bangkok to demonstrate sincerity and goodwill, warning that peace requires concrete actions rather than words.